When we recently asked followers on Instagram what they were struggling with, the overwhelming response was a lack of motivation. I get it - when you aren't seeing results from your efforts on Instagram it can feel like a drag. In this episode, Marcus and Jenn discuss three key strategies to boost your motivation while spending less time on Instagram to growing an engaged audience.

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In order to sell your book, you need an audience. Many authors that I talk to feel like if they just had more followers on social media, that would be the answer to all of their problems. But it's actually deeper than that. In today's episode, we talk about five things that are holding authors back from growing an audience and how to fix it. 

• Not having clear goals in mind 
• Not having the right mindset 
• Thinking Instagram is about promotion 
• Not focusing on engagement 
• Not having a strategy 

Jenn and Marcus discuss two specific practices that might seem crazy at first, but will actually help authors reach more of their readers.

If you find yourself asking, "What's the difference? Don't Reels and Stories do basically the same thing?" you're not alone - many authors have asked the same question. In this episode, we will break down the specific uses for each and how to best use Reels and Stories in your Instagram strategy. 

LINKS

10 Reel Ideas: https://www.mixtusmedia.com/10reelideas

When it comes to creating reels, most of the focus is put on the actual video. While the video is important, there are two additional items authors need to include to make sure readers take action. Jenn and Marcus discuss these two items and how you can incorporate them into your plan.

LINKS

10 Reel Ideas for Authors: https://www.mixtusmedia.com/10reelideas

You know that you want to start using reels, but what do you actually share? What can you include in your reels? In this episode, Jenn and Marcus share how you can come up with ideas for your reels. 

• It's all about WHAT you say. HOW you say it is icing on the cake. CONTENT is the most important.
• Identify what you want/need to talk about and make a list.
• Go through reels to spark ideas of how you might creatively present them in reels.

LINKS: https://www.mixtusmedia.com/blog/my-secret-to-creating-successful-social-media-posts

If you've played with the idea of incorporating reels into your Instagram strategy but don't know where to start, we've got you covered! In this episode Jenn and Marcus will discuss the three easy steps that you can take to be successful with reels. 

• Start simple, get fancy later.
• Research hashtags and see what others are doing to get ideas/inspiration.
• Play - have fun and save drafts.

Download one month of Instagram Post ideas at https://www.mixtusmedia.com/blog/one-month-of-instagram-posts-for-authors

Gaining a following on Instagram isn't the same as it used to be five years ago - or even one year ago. There are two big changes that authors should be aware of to see the growth and connections that they need.

One of the major struggles I see authors face is trying to amass a large following on social media in order to sell their book. So often we are more focused on growing, growing, and growing that we overlook those we are already connected with. It’s a lot easier and more effective to sell to those who are already interested. 

• Focus On Who You’re Already Connected With 
• Identify Local Organizations and Groups
• Do a Goodreads Giveaway

We've received several comments and messages from authors saying that they were intimidated by social media or didn't want to spend extra time growing an audience on the various platforms. Are there actually ways to market your book without social media? 

• Adjust your expectations (also remember publishers are expecting you to have a social presence) 
• Think about where your ideal readers are 
• Start local and grow from there 
• Think of different ways to reach a wider audience (traditional media, affiliations, speaking at events, etc.)